Delivery device and kit

ABSTRACT

A delivery device ( 10 ) for flowable material comprising a first delivery part ( 12, 86 ) defining a delivery conduit ( 14 ) having a delivery inlet ( 16 ) and delivery outlet ( 18 ), a first attachment part ( 20, 81 ) selectively engageable with the first delivery part ( 12 ) to act as a means to attach the first delivery part ( 12 ) to an outlet aperture ( 22 ) of a container ( 24 ), and at least one further delivery part and/or second attachment part ( 38, 50 ) being differently conformed and selectively interchangeable with the first delivery part ( 12, 86 ) and/or first attachment part ( 20, 81 ). The interchangeability of the second attachment part ( 20, 38, 50 ) advantageously enables the device ( 10 ) to be attached to a range of containers of varying structures having different means of opening an outlet aperture ( 22 ) thereof. The interchangeability of the first delivery part ( 12, 86 ) is particularly convenient for providing a different means of delivering material from a container ( 24 ).

The present invention relates to a device which attaches to a containerfor flowable material, such as a fluid or a solid of such consistency asto be capable of behaving fluidly, e.g. powder, grain etc, and to a kitof parts for the same. The device attaches to a container such as abottle, carton or pouch, and improves or facilitates the delivery ofmaterial from the container. The present invention particularly relatesto a portable liquid delivery device which is suitable for attaching toan array of different liquid containers. A particular application of theinvention relates to drinking containers.

Liquids are often purchased in a sealed container, e.g. a bottle, cartonor pouch, which requires opening before the contents are delivereddirectly from the container or indirectly via suitable means, such as astraw or spout. Delivery of the liquid from the container may includedispensing, e.g. pouring, of the liquid into a secondary container orconsumption, e.g. drinking, from the container by a person.

Bottles generally comprise a screw cap which requires removing beforethe liquid therein can be delivered therefrom. Cartons and pouchesgenerally comprise a flap which is folded and adhered to an upper, outerpart of the carton or pouch. The integrity of the adhesion is typicallycompromised by unfolding the flap which is then torn to access theliquid in the carton or pouch. The unfolded flap may define a spout tofacilitate pouring the liquid from the carton or pouch. Cartons andpouches often comprise a frangible portion, e.g. foil, the integrity ofwhich is compromised by puncturing, for example, to allow the liquid tobe delivered from the carton or pouch. Where the liquid is consumed fromthe carton or pouch, the frangible portion can be punctured by a strawand the straw used to consume the liquid from the carton or pouch.

A disadvantage of containers, such as a bottle, carton or pouch, relatesto the delivery of fluid from the container. In particular, liquid isoften difficult to pour from such containers especially where a degreeof accuracy is required. This may be particularly inconvenient whereliquid is being dispensed from a primary container into a secondarycontainer, especially when an access opening of the secondary containeris small. Also, liquid often drips from the primary container afterdispensing which is also inconvenient particularly where mess orstaining by the liquid is undesired.

An example of a dispensed liquid is engine oil which is purchased in acontainer having a neck or collar defining an aperture which is sealedby a screw cap fitting over the neck or collar. To avoid spillage, theoil is typically poured from the can into the engine via suitable means,such as a funnel. Where a funnel is unavailable, oil spillage is acommon problem and particularly undesirable. Another example may bewhere the liquid is wine which is purchased in a glass bottle having aneck defining an aperture which is sealed by a cork fitting within theneck or a screw cap fitting over the neck. The neck of the bottle isgenerally inadequate to prevent dripping when pouring or decanting thewine, which is particularly inconvenient due to staining. A furtherexample may be where the liquid is milk suitable for baby consumptionwhich is purchased in a carton. The milk generally requires transferringfrom the carton to a suitable bottle generally including a teat for thebaby to drink from. Carrying a separate carton around may beinconvenient for a parent or carer, especially when away from home or ina public place having limited facilities. Where the carton comprises afoil portion which is punctured to open the carton, transferring themilk from the carton to the baby bottle may be particularly difficultand inconvenient.

Consuming liquid directly from drinking containers can also beparticularly difficult or impossible for some people. Such peopleinclude those who are unable to drink independently, e.g. babies orpeople with special needs including the elderly, and those who have aparticular medical condition which hinders their ability to drinkdirectly from such containers. These people often require additionalmeans, e.g. a teat or mouthpiece, to allow them to drink from thecontainer, either independently or dependently.

Gaining access to the liquid in liquid containers can also be a problemfor some people, particularly where a degree of accuracy is requiredsuch as piercing a small area of foil in a carton or pouch with a straw.People with medical conditions including arthritis or Parkinson'sdisease, for example, may find the conditions hinder their ability toopen such containers prior to consumption or dispensation of the liquidtherein.

A first aspect of the present invention provides a delivery device forflowable material comprising:

-   -   a first delivery part defining a delivery conduit having a        delivery inlet and delivery outlet;    -   a first attachment part selectively engageable with the first        delivery part to act as a means to attach the first delivery        part to an outlet aperture of a container; and    -   at least one further delivery part and/or attachment part being        differently conformed and selectively interchangeable with the        first delivery part and/or first attachment part.

Preferably, the device comprises at least one further attachment partwhich is selectively engageable with the first delivery part. Thefurther attachment part is differently conformed to the first attachmentpart to allow the first delivery part to be attached to a differentlystructured and/or sized container and/or to be attached in analternative manner. The difference in structure may range from a bottlehaving a neck or collar defining an outlet aperture to a carton having afrangible portion, the integrity of which requires compromising to forman outlet aperture in the carton for the delivery part to attach to.

Preferably, the first or further attachment part connects the deliveryinlet with the container outlet aperture. Suitably, the delivery inletmay connect directly to the outlet aperture. Alternatively, theattachment part may define an attachment conduit having an attachmentinlet and attachment outlet wherein the attachment part is engageablewith the delivery part in such a manner that when so engaged thedelivery conduit and the attachment conduit define a fluidly continuouschannel through the device from the attachment inlet to the deliveryoutlet.

The interchangeability of the attachment part advantageously enables thedevice to be attached to a range of containers of varying structureshaving different means of opening an outlet aperture thereof, such as ascrew cap, cork, ring pull, unfoldable flaps and/or frangible portionsor other means. The device is advantageously a universal materialdelivery device which may be attached in sealing engagement to more thanone type of container.

Preferably, the device alternatively or also comprises at least onefurther delivery part which is selectively engageable with the first orfurther attachment part. The further delivery part is differentlyconformed to the first delivery part. The first or further delivery partmay be selectively engaged with one of the first or further attachmentparts depending on the desired functionality of the delivery part. Thismay be particularly convenient for providing a different means ofdelivering the material from the container. For example, the firstdelivery part may be a form of spout for pouring material from thecontainer, whereas at least one further delivery part may be a form ofmouthpiece suitable for consuming material, e.g. liquid, directly fromthe container. Advantageously, the device may also provide multiplefunctionality to a user to allow flowable material to be delivered fromthe container.

One embodiment of the attachment part comprises an enclosure formationadapted to engage over and around an aperture of a container externallythereto. For example, the enclosure formation is a cap having a circularcover and wall portion peripherally extending perpendicularly from saidcover to surroundingly engage around an outlet aperture defined by anarrowing in the container, such as a neck or collar of a bottle, forexample. Preferably, the cover comprises an aperture complementarilyshaped with the delivery part to allow the cap to attach the deliverypart to the container in such a manner as to define when so connected afluidly continuous channel from the container to the delivery outlet ofthe delivery conduit. Suitably, the cap may be a screw cap having aradial wall comprising a screw thread to allow the screw cap to engagewith a corresponding screw thread on the neck of the container andattach the delivery part thereto. Preferably, the screw cap issufficiently rigid to withstand forces when screwing the screw cap to aneck or collar of a container, for example. Alternatively, the cap maybe a deformable cap having a peripheral wall portion which iselastically deformable allowing it to stretch over the neck or collar ofa container and attach the delivery part thereto. Preferably, thedeformable cap is sufficiently elastic to stretch over the neck orcollar of a container whilst remaining attached to the neck or collaronce stretched thereover.

An alternative embodiment of the attachment part may be adapted toinsert within the outlet aperture of a container. The attachment partcomprises an insert formation enabled to be inserted within a containerthrough an aperture therein in use. The insert formation preferablydefines an attachment conduit comprising the attachment inlet andattachment outlet. Preferably, the insert formation has a wide endcomprising the attachment outlet and a narrow end comprising theattachment inlet.

Suitably, the insert formation may slidably insert in sealing engagementinto an outlet aperture, for example defined by the neck or collar ofthe container, to retain the attachment part therein. Suitably, theinsert formation may be a resilient material, e.g. rubber, to ensure asecure fit and sealing engagement with the neck or collar of thecontainer is achieved. Preferably, the attachment outlet of the insertformation connects with the delivery inlet to define a fluidlycontinuous channel through the device from the attachment inlet to thedelivery outlet. Preferably, the insert is a material providingsufficient resilience to allow the insert to be slidably inserted intothe neck or collar of a container whilst providing sealing engagementwhen inserted therein. Sealing means may suitably be provided tosecurely seal the insert formation in the outlet aperture of acontainer. The sealing means may comprise means to increase the width ofthe insert formation in the outlet aperture thereby to provide aneffective seal. The sealing means may comprise an elongate memberextending through the insert formation, the elongate member having afirst end adapted to engage with the narrow end of the insert formationand second end extending from the wide end. A shoulder may be providedat the first end to engage with the narrow end of the insert formation.A lever may suitably be coupled to the second end and adapted to movethe first end upwardly relative to the container thereby to apply aforce on the narrow end of the insert formation. The force appliedthereto causes the resilient insert formation to bulge outwardly andseal against the outlet aperture of the container. The lever maysuitably comprise a cam arrangement to provide the desired movement ofthe elongate movement. Suitably locking means may be provided to lockthe lever in a sealed position. The locking means may comprise a lockingmember which may be provided over the lever when in the sealed position.Alternatively, the lever may be adapted to self-lock when in the sealedposition.

Conveniently, an insertable attachment part may be adapted to penetratea portion of a container. Suitably, the attachment part may comprise apenetrating part adapted to compromise the integrity of a container wallor a frangible portion of a container, e.g. a foil portion. Preferably,the penetrating part is substantially elongate and is rotationallysymmetrical about its longitudinal axis. Preferably, the penetratingpart is substantially tapered from a wide end to a narrow end or point.For example, the penetrating part may be substantially ogival. Suitably,the penetrating part may be narrow and spike-like to puncture the wallof a container or a frangible portion thereof, e.g. a foil portion,thereby to provide the outlet aperture in the container.

Preferably, the penetrating part defines the attachment conduit andcomprises the attachment inlet and attachment outlet. Preferably, thewide end comprises the attachment outlet. Suitably, the attachment inletmay be disposed at the narrow end or point of the penetrating part.Alternatively, the attachment inlet may be disposed around a surface ofthe elongate penetrating part to define one or more attachment inlets onthe side of the penetrating part. Preferably, the delivery part connectswith the penetrating part. Preferably, the attachment outlet of thepenetrating part connects with the delivery inlet to define the fluidlycontinuous channel through the device from the attachment inlet to thedelivery outlet.

The penetrating part suitably creates the outlet aperture in thecontainer and attaches the delivery part to the container whilstconnecting the delivery inlet of the delivery part to the container toallow flowable material to be delivered therefrom. Preferably, thepenetrating part is adequately rigid to penetrate the wall of acontainer or a frangible portion thereof to provide the outlet aperturetherein.

An insertable attachment part may include a penetrating part and aninsert formation as above described which may be provided discretely orby a single common structure.

An insertable attachment part may comprise suitable sealing means toprovide an effective seal between the penetrating part and the outletaperture in the container wall. Such sealing means may be similar to thesealing means of the insert formation as described above. The sealingmeans may further comprise a sealing plate having an upper face and alower face. The sealing means may comprise a washer which engages withthe lower face of the sealing plate. The washer may seal the outletaperture of the container and may engage with an inner or outer surfaceof the container. Suitably the lever may engage with and/or lock againstthe upper face of the sealing plate. Suitably one of the insertformation or penetrating part may comprise the sealing plate. Suitablythe sealing plate may made of a resilient material.

Suitably, the penetrating part may comprise securing means to ensure thepenetrating part is securely attached within a container and, forexample, in or on an outlet aperture. Suitably, the securing means maycomprise a plurality of annular protrusions disposed around thepenetrating part. The securing means may comprise a screw thread.Alternatively, the securing means may comprise one or more barb-likeprotrusions extending from the penetrating part to prevent thepenetrating part detaching from the outlet aperture of the container.Conveniently, the securing means may comprise the sealing means. Forexample, the annular protrusions may securely attach the insertableattachment part to the outlet aperture and also prevent material, e.g.liquid, leaking past an attachment part/outlet aperture interface toprovide effective sealing means.

In one convenient embodiment, the delivery part is elongate and definesa delivery conduit disposed along its length connecting a delivery inletgenerally at a first end and a delivery outlet generally at a secondend. Preferably, the delivery part comprises a cylindrical body portion.Preferably, the body portion comprises a delivery shoulder, having afirst face and second face, which annularly extends from the bodyproximal to the first end.

Optionally, in combination therewith, the attachment part, in the formof an enclosure formation as above described, selectively engages withand attaches the delivery part to the outlet aperture of the containerby engaging with the shoulder to retain the delivery part thereon.

Preferably, the enclosure formation comprises an aperture to allow theenclosure formation to mount over the delivery part and interface withthe first face of the delivery shoulder. Where a screw cap is screwed ora deformable cap is stretched over the neck or collar of a container,the second face of the delivery shoulder may interface with acorresponding face of the container in the vicinity of the neck orcollar to allow the cap to clamp the delivery part to the container.Preferably, the delivery part is clamped in sealing engagement to thecontainer.

In another convenient embodiment, a screw threaded attachment part isprovided together with an insertable delivery part, an insertableformation or penetrating part of which comprises a screw thread proximalto a wide end which corresponds to the screw thread in the enclosureformation such as a screw cap. Where the penetrating part is required toopen a container, e.g. a carton or pouch, or the insert is required toattach the delivery part to the neck or collar of a container, the screwcap will generally not be required to attach around the neck of acontainer, e.g. screw neck of a bottle. Therefore, the screw thread inthe screw cap may conveniently be utilised to attach the penetratingpart or insert to the delivery part. The delivery shoulder of thedelivery part will be disposed between the screw cap and the wide end ofthe penetrating part or insert and screwing the penetrating part orinsert into the screw cap will clamp the device together. Conveniently,a part of the screw thread around the wide end of the penetrating partmay be used as the securing means to attach the device to the outletaperture of the container, in a similar manner to the plurality ofannular protrusions, as described above.

Suitably, as described above, the device may further comprise sealingmeans to seal the insert formation or penetrating part to the container.Suitably, the attachment part comprises a through conduit having aninternal thread corresponding to a screw thread of the penetrating partor insert formation allowing the same to attach to the attachment part.

The sealing means may comprise actuation means to pull the attachmentpart down on to the container to secure and seal the device thereon. Thesealing means may comprise a sealing plate which engages with thecontainer to seal the device thereon when the attachment part is pulledthereagainst. Suitably the attachment part is slideably mounted to thesealing plate. Suitably the sealing plate comprises an aperture to allowthe penetrating part or insert formation to extend through the sealingplate to attach to the attachment part. The sealing plate suitablycomprises one or more upwardly extending projections complementarilyshaped with one or more recesses in the attachment part.

The actuation means may be adapted to urge the penetrating part orinsert formation in a direction outwardly from the container. Thesecuring means, for example a screw thread, provided on the penetratingpart will secure the penetrating part to the container whilst theactuation means will pull the sealing plate downwardly against thecontainer. The container is suitably squeezed between the sealing plateand penetrating part thereby to securely clamp and seal the device tothe container.

The actuation means may comprise one or more levers to actuate thesealing means. The levers are suitably adapted to engage with thesealing plate and move the sealing plate away from the attachment partand relative to the penetrating part or insert formation. As describedabove, the levers may self-lock in a sealed position or a locking membermay be provided on the device which is adapted to lock the levers in thesealed position. Suitably the locking member may be rotatable on thedevice and may be rotated over the levers thereby to lock them in thesealed position. Alternatively, the locking member may be fixed and thelevers may be rotatable thereby to be rotated under the locking memberwhen in the sealed position. Suitably, the levers are hingedly attachedto the attachment part. Suitably providing the levers with an eccentricor offset hinge axis will provide a camming arrangement to engage thelevers with the sealing plate and provide a self-lock mechanism when inthe sealed position. Suitably two levers are provided and preferably at180 degrees relative to each other on the attachment part.

In a further alternative embodiment, where the cap is required to attachto a neck or collar of a container, the wide end of the penetrating partor insert may comprise a screw thread which corresponds to a screwthread of the delivery part allowing the penetrating part or insert anddelivery part to be screwed together. The screw thread may projectperpendicularly from the wide end of the penetrating part or insert andcorrespond to a threaded bore in the first end of the delivery part, orvice versa. When screwed together, the cap may suitably be clampedbetween the penetrating part or insert and the delivery part.Alternatively, the cap aperture may allow the cap to be placed over thedelivery part and interface with the first face of the delivery shoulderthereby to clamp the device to the container when screwed to the neck orcollar thereof, for example.

Preferably, the delivery part comprises a projecting portion terminatingin the delivery outlet to define a desired flow direction. Suitably, theprojecting portion may take many forms depending on its desiredfunctionality. For example, the projecting portion may comprise amouthpiece. The mouthpiece, which terminates at the delivery outlet, maybe offset to the longitudinal axis of the delivery part. Such amouthpiece may be shaped in a similar manner to a mouthpiece commonlyused on a drinking bottle for training babies or toddlers, often knownas a trainer cup, for example. Alternatively, the projecting portion maybe adapted to provide a non-drip spout which may be particularlyimportant where staining from spilled liquid after dispensing isextremely undesirable, such as when serving red wine in fine restaurantshaving white tablecloths. Alternatively, the projecting portion maycomprise a teat suitable for feeding babies who are still at breastfeeding age. Suitably, the teat may be anti-colic or may be adapted toprovide a desired flow rate. The teat may be suitable for users withspecial needs, e.g. a cleft pallet, where the user is unable to suck ona conventional teat and requires the teat to be pressed to encourage aliquid, for example, to flow from the container into the mouth of theuser. Further alternatively, the projecting portion may comprise anelongate straw-like projecting portion. Such a straw-like projectingportion may be suitable for people who are unable to drinkindependently. In a further embodiment, the delivery part may comprise a‘push-pull’ valve which closes and seals the container when in the‘push’ position and allows liquid to be delivered from the containerwhen in the ‘pull’ position. Such a delivery part may be particularlysuitable for participants of outdoor pursuits, e.g. cyclists or walkers.Alternatively, the projecting portion may comprise a shaker-type outletwhich may be suitable for sprinkling powder or granular material in acooking application, for example. Further alternatively, the projectingportion may serve as a delivery means in like manner to a funnel fordelivering material to another container.

The delivery part may suitably be adapted to receive a closure to sealthe delivery outlet when not in use. The closure may screw over thedelivery outlet or may be a bung-like member which screws or pushes intothe delivery outlet to close and seal it. The closure may be connectedto the delivery part by a flexible arm which allows the closure to bearranged in sealing engagement with the delivery outlet or be removedtherefrom to open the delivery outlet, whilst conveniently beingconnected to the delivery part at all times. Advantageously, the closureis thereby prevented from becoming detached from the delivery part whichcould inconveniently result in misplacement. Suitably, the closure maycomprise locking means to prevent the delivery outlet being opened whenundesired or to provide a degree of security to prevent unwanted accessto the material within the container. A lockable and secure closure maybe particularly desirable where the material is potentially harmful,e.g. a toxic chemical or medicine, and access thereto by certain peopleis often undesirable, such as children. Alternatively, the closure mayseal the delivery outlet before the delivery part is attached to acontainer and only removed when delivery of material from the containeris required. This advantageously provides a sealed container includingthe device which is resistant to contamination of the material thereinprior to use, which may be particularly desirable in a medicalenvironment, for example.

Suitably, the delivery part may comprise a valve which prevents materialleaving the delivery outlet when not required. A suitable valve maycomprise a one-way valve, e.g. a ball valve. Such a delivery part may beparticularly suitable to prevent material leaking from the deliveryoutlet when the container falls over or is accidentally dropped.

Suitably, the delivery part may comprise pressure equalisation means toallow air into the container to replace the material leaving thecontainer when being delivered therefrom. Pressure equalisation meansconveniently tends to equalise air pressure within and outside thecontainer during delivery of the material therefrom. This isparticularly useful where the delivery part comprises a mouthpiece orstraw and material is being sucked from the container. A reducedpressure in the container may cause the container wall to collapse andeventually delivery of the material may inconveniently cease. Suitably,the aeration means may comprise an air passageway disposed in thedelivery part suitably adapted to fluidly connect the interior of thecontainer with the atmosphere to prevent a substantial change occurringbetween atmospheric pressure and container pressure. Preferably, the airpassageway is separate from the fluidly continuous conduit through thedevice.

Preferably, the delivery part is a similar material to the attachmentpart. A portion of the delivery part may be substantially flexible and aportion may be substantially rigid. For example, where the delivery partcomprises a teat, the teat must be substantially flexible, as will beunderstood by a skilled person in the art, whereas a mouthpiece, similarto that found on a training cup for babies, must be substantially rigid.Preferably, the portion of the delivery part comprising the deliveryshoulder is substantially rigid to adequately engage with the attachmentpart, as described above.

Suitably, the device may comprise a handle to facilitate handling thecontainer when the device is attached thereto. Suitably, the handle mayattach to a delivery part or attachment part. Suitably, the handle maycomprise first and second arms being joined together at one end.Preferably, the arms are angled relative to each other. Preferably, afree end of the handle attaches to the delivery part or attachment part.Preferably, the first arm extends outwardly and substantiallyperpendicularly from the delivery part or attachment part and the secondarm is orientated substantially perpendicularly relative to the firstarm to define a handle having a right-angled profile.

Alternatively, the one or more levers of the sealing means, as describedabove, may provide a handle.

Preferably, the interchangeable delivery parts and attachment parts ofthe device are formed of the same material. Preferably, the device is amaterial of food-grade quality being suitable for sterilisation usingknown techniques. The parts may be supplied pre-sterilised. This is ofparticular importance where the device is used in a medical environmentor by people who are easily susceptible to illness, e.g. babies.Suitable materials for the device may include rubber or plastic.

Preferably, the device is re-usable. However, the device may bedisposable and/or recyclable.

Preferably, the device is substantially compact and portable which isparticularly convenient for carrying on one's person, for example.

A kit of parts is also provided comprising the device and suitablepackaging for the device to be contained or stored in when not in use.Suitably, one or more devices in accordance with the present inventionmay be contained in an assembled or disassembled state within thepackaging. Preferably, the packaging is complimentarily shaped with thedevice to provide compact packaging enveloping the device. Suitably, thepackaging may be adapted to prevent the device moving around within thepackaging. For example, the packaging may comprise one or more ribsextending inwardly from a packaging wall which are complimentarilyshaped with the device to ensure the device is securely containedtherein. Preferably, the packaging comprises two parts which engagetogether to collectively envelope the device. The two parts of thepackaging may engage and lock together at corresponding ends.Alternatively, the packaging may comprise a hinge and the two parts mayengage and lock at corresponding edges. Preferably the packaging is anaesthetic design, having smooth contours, like an egg, for example.

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way ofexample only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a cross section through the device including the screw capattachment part to attach the delivery part to a bottle having a screwneck;

FIG. 2 a is a cross section through the device including the insertattachment part to attach the delivery part to a bottle.

FIG. 2 b is an exploded cross section of the device of FIG. 2 a;

FIG. 3 a is a cross section through the device including the penetratingpart to attach the delivery part to a carton;

FIG. 3 b shows the device of FIG. 3 a attached to a carton;

FIG. 3 c shows the device of FIG. 3 a attached to a pouch;

FIG. 3 d shows an exploded cross section of the device of FIG. 3 a;

FIG. 3 e shows a different embodiment of the device of FIG. 3 a;

FIG. 4 a shows an exploded view of a preferred embodiment of theinvention having the sealing levers;

FIG. 4 b shows the device of FIG. 4 a with the levers in the sealedposition;

FIG. 4 c shows the device of FIG. 4 a with the levers in the unsealedposition; and

FIG. 5 shows the kit of parts including the device and packaging.

With reference to FIG. 1, a delivery device 10 is provided comprising adelivery part 12 defining a delivery conduit 14 having a delivery inlet16 and a delivery outlet 18. An attachment part 20 selectively engageswith the delivery part 12 to act as a means to attach the delivery part12 to an outlet aperture 22 of a liquid container 24, such as bottle 24.The attachment part 20 may be selected from a plurality of attachmentparts depending on the form and structure of the container 24. Forexample, the container 24 may be a bottle, carton or pouch each formeddifferently and having different outlet apertures 22 and/or means ofopening, e.g. cap, cork or frangible portion. The delivery part 12 mayalso be selected from a plurality of delivery parts depending on itsdesired function, e.g. to be suitable for pouring or drinking. Theplurality of delivery parts 12 and attachment parts 20 areinterchangeable providing a universal liquid delivery device 10.

One embodiment of the device 10 is shown in FIG. 1. The delivery part 12is substantially elongate and circular in cross section and comprises amouthpiece including the delivery outlet 18. At its opposite end, thedelivery part 12 has an annular shoulder 26 surrounding the deliveryinlet 16. The attachment part 20 is a screw cap 20 having a circularcover 28 and a radial wall 30 extending from the cover 28 which isthreaded allowing the cap 20 to attach in sealing engagement around theneck 23 or collar of a container, such as the bottle 24, having acorresponding screw thread 34. An aperture 32 is disposed centrally inthe cover 28 and is complimentarily shaped with the delivery part 12 toallow the screw cap 20 to fit over the delivery part 12 and abut againsta first face 36 of the annular shoulder 26. The screw cap 20 clamps thedelivery part 12 to the neck 23 or collar of the container 24.

In an alternative embodiment, the cap 20 may be a deformable cap whereinthe radial wall 30 is elastically deformable allowing it to stretch overthe neck 23 or collar of a container 24 to attach the delivery part 12thereto in a similar clamping manner.

A further embodiment is shown in FIGS. 2 a and 2 b. The attachment partin this embodiment is an insert 38 which is slidably inserted into theneck 23 of a container 24, such as bottle, to be in sealing engagementwith the outlet aperture 22, defined by the neck 23, and attach thedelivery part 12 thereto. The insert 38 is rotationally symmetricalabout its longitudinal axis 39 and defines a centrally disposedattachment conduit 40 having an attachment inlet 42 and attachmentoutlet 44. As shown in FIG. 2 b, the insert 38 has a screw thread 47projecting axially from an insert face 46 which corresponds with athreaded hole 48 disposed axially in the delivery part 12. Theprojecting screw thread 47 includes the attachment outlet 44. The insert38 screws into the delivery part 12 until a second face 37 of theannular shoulder 26 abuts with the insert face 46. The insert 38 isthereby engageable with the delivery part 12 to define a fluidlycontinuous conduit 40, 14 through the device 10 from the attachmentinlet 42 to the delivery outlet 18. Alternatively, the projecting screwthread 47 may be disposed on the delivery part 12 and the threaded hole48 may be disposed in the insert 48 and comprise the attachment outlet44. The insert 38 may be rubber or plastic to provide an effective sealbetween the insert 38 and the neck 23 of the container 24. The insert 38may rely on friction and the resilience of the rubber or plastic tosecurely attach the delivery part 12 to the container 24. Alternatively,as shown in FIG. 2 c, the screw cap 20 (or deformable cap) may be usedto clamp the annular shoulder 26 of the delivery part 12 to the neck 23or collar of the container 24.

A further embodiment is shown in FIGS. 3 a to 3 d. The attachment partin this embodiment is a penetrating part 50 which may be used tocompromise the integrity of a frangible portion of a container 24, suchas a foil portion of a carton or pouch. The penetrating part 50 isrotationally symmetrical about its axis 51 and substantially ogival incross section, tapering from a wide end 52 to a narrow or pointed end54. The penetrating part 50 defines the attachment conduit 40 whereinthe attachment outlet 42 is disposed at the wide end 52 and twoattachment inlets 44 are disposed near the narrow end 54 along thepenetrating part 50. The pointed end 54 of the penetrating part 50 isused to puncture a frangible portion of a container 24 to provide anoutlet aperture 22 in the container 24 for the device 10 to attach to.The container 24 may be a carton as shown in FIG. 3 b or a pouch asshown in FIG. 3 c. The frangible portion of the container 24 may be afoil portion disposed on the top of the carton or the side of the pouchand the penetrating part 50 is used to puncture the foil portion tocreate the outlet aperture 22 in the container 24. Once inserted intothe outlet aperture 22, the annular shoulder 26 of the delivery part 12abuts against the container wall 25 in the vicinity of the outletaperture 22 to provide a stop preventing the device 10 being pushedentirely into the container 24. With the device 10 attached to theoutlet aperture 22, the container 24 can be squeezed or tilted toencourage the liquid therein to enter the attachment inlets 44 and flowthrough the fluidly continuous conduit 40, 14 through the device 10 toexit the delivery outlet 18 of the delivery part 12. Alternatively, theliquid may be sucked from the container 24 via the delivery part 12. Ahole 60 may be disposed in the container wall 25 distal from the outletaperture 22 to provide aeration means to ensure air can enter thecontainer 24 and replace the liquid being delivered therefrom. Suitableaeration means 60 prevents a vacuum forming within the container 24 whenliquid is being delivered therefrom, as will be understood by a personskilled in the art.

As shown in FIG. 3 d, the penetrating part 50 has a screw thread 56projecting from a face 58, which corresponds to the threaded hole 48disposed axially in the delivery part 12. The projecting screw thread 56includes the attachment outlet 44. The penetrating part 50 screws intothe delivery part 12 until the second face 37 of the annular shoulder 26abuts with the face 58 of the penetrating part 50. The penetrating part50 is thereby engageable with the delivery part 12 to define a fluidlycontinuous conduit 40, 14 through the device 10 from the attachmentinlets 42 to the delivery outlet 18. Alternatively, the projecting screwthread 47 may be disposed on the delivery part 12 and the threaded hole48 may be disposed in the penetrating part 50 and comprise theattachment outlet 44. The penetrating part 50 further includes annularprotrusions 62 to provide a means of security to the container wall 25when inserted in the outlet aperture 22 of the container 24. The annularprotrusions 62 also provide an effective seal between the outletaperture 22 and the penetrating part 50.

Further alternatively, the annular protrusions 62 may be a screw thread64 disposed around the penetrating part 50. The screw thread 64 mayconveniently provide the securing and sealing means, as described above,or may be utilised to connect the penetrating part 50 to the deliverypart 12, as shown in FIG. 3 e. In this later case, the screw thread 64corresponds with the screw cap 20 to allow the screw cap 20 to clamp thedelivery part 12 by its annular shoulder 26 to the face 58 of thepenetrating part 50. When the penetrating part 50 is inserted into theoutlet aperture 22, the edge 66 of the radial wall 30 provides the stopto prevent the device 10 being pushed entirely into the container 24.

As described above the delivery part 12 is selected from a plurality ofdelivery parts depending on the desired functionality. For example, thedelivery part 12 can include a spout, mouthpiece or teat or otherstructure, as described above. In a similar manner, the attachment part20/21/38/50 is selected from a plurality of attachment parts dependingon the structure and form of the container 24 from which liquid is to bedelivered. As described above, the attachment part 20/21/38/50 mayinclude one or more of the screw cap 20, deformable cap 21, insert 38and penetrating part 50. The selected delivery part 12 and attachmentpart 20/21/38/50 are therefore interchangeable depending on the desiredapplication for the device 10.

FIGS. 4 a to 4 c show a preferred embodiment of the invention. Thedevice (10) includes a cylindrical body (80) having an upper endcomprising an external thread (82) and a lower end slideably mountableto a sealing plate (84). The plate (84) has two upwardly extendingprojections (83) which slideably insert into corresponding recesses (notshown) in the lower end of the body (80). The plate (84) also has adownwardly extending portion (85) having an aperture (87) extendingtherethrough.

The thread (82) corresponds with a threaded cap (81) having an aperture(79) in its upper portion. A dispensing part (86), shown as a teat, isclamped between the cap (81) and the body (80) when the cap (81) isscrewed on to the body (80). Of course, in accordance with theinvention, the teat may take the form of another dispending part, e.g. amouthpiece or a spout.

To attach the delivery part (86) to a container, a tapered penetratingpart (88) is attached to the body (80). The penetrating part (88) has anarrow pointed end (89) and a wide end (90) having a screw thread (91).A wide pitched screw thread (87) is provided around a lower portion ofthe penetrating part (88) which engages with the container, such as acarton, to secure the device (10) thereto. An annular shoulder isprovided by an intermediate portion (92) of the penetrating part (88).The wide threaded end (90) of the penetrating part (88) passes throughthe sealing plate (84) and screws into the lower end of the body (80),thereby to securely attach the penetrating part (88) to the body (80).

The penetrating part (88) has a conduit extending from a plurality ofinlets (91) to an outlet (92) at the wide end (90). When the device (10)is assembled together, a continuous flow conduit is provided through thedevice from the inlets (91) to the delivery outlet (93) of the teat(86).

Two levers (94) are hingedly attached to the body (80). The axis ofrotation of each lever (94) is offset to provide a cam effect when thelevers are actuated. When the levers (94) are moved from an unsealedposition (as shown in FIG. 4 c) to a sealed position (as shown in FIG. 4b), an engaging surface of each lever (94) engages with the sealingplate (84) to force the sealing plate (84) against the container. Thisaction causes the body (80) and the penetrating part (88) to be pulledupwardly from the container. The body (80) is guided by and slideablymoved upwardly on the upwardly extending projections (83) of the sealingplate (84). As the screw thread (87) secures the penetrating part (88)to the container, such as a carton, the container wall is effectivelysqueezed between the penetrating part (88) and the sealing plate (84)thereby to securely clamp the device (10) to the container. A seal (notshown) may be provided to seal the interface between the device (10) andthe container and may engage with the sealing plate (84). The seal mayseal the interface from inside and/or outside the container wall.

With reference to FIG. 5, the interchangeable parts are contained withinsuitable packaging 72, 74 to provide a kit 70 including the device 10and the packaging 72, 74. The packaging 72, 74 provides a convenientmeans for storing and transporting the device 10 in an assembled ordisassembled state, when not in use. The packaging 72, 74 is compact andneatly envelops the device 10. The packaging 72, 74 may include twoparts 72, 74 which are substantially ogival in cross section defining aninner volume for the device 10. The two parts 72, 74 connect and locktogether at their corresponding openings 76, 78 and split apart when thedevice 10 is to be removed from the packaging 70. The two parts 72, 74may include ribs or clips (not shown) on their inner surfaces which arecomplimentary in shape with the device 10 to ensure the device 10 issecurely packaged and is prevented from moving around within thepackaging 72, 74. As described above, the kit 70 may also include ahandle (not shown) to facilitate handling the container 24 when thedevice 10 is attached thereto, which may attach to the delivery part orattachment part and which may also be contained in the packaging 72, 74.The device 10 and packaging 70 is a plastics material which is suitablefor sterilisation and recycling.

1. A delivery device comprising: a first delivery part defining adelivery conduit having a delivery inlet and delivery outlet; a firstattachment part selectively engageable with the first delivery part toact as a means to attach the first delivery part to an outlet apertureof a container; and at least one further delivery part and/or attachmentpart being differently conformed and selectively interchangeable withthe first delivery part and/or first attachment part.
 2. A deliverydevice according to claim 1, comprising at least one further attachmentpart which is selectively engageable with the first delivery part.
 3. Adelivery device according to claim 2, wherein the first or furtherattachment part connects the delivery inlet with the outlet aperture ofthe container.
 4. A delivery device according to claim 2, alternativelyor also comprising at least one further delivery part which isselectively engageable with the first or further attachment part.
 5. Adelivery device according to claim 1, wherein the attachment partcomprises an enclosure formation adapted to engage over and around anaperture of a container externally thereto.
 6. A delivery deviceaccording to claim 5, wherein the enclosure formation is a cap having acircular cover and wall portion peripherally extending perpendicularlyfrom said cover to surroundingly engage around the outlet aperturedefined by a narrowing in the container.
 7. A delivery device accordingto claim 6, wherein the cover comprises an aperture complementarilyshaped with the delivery part to allow the cap to attach the deliverypart to the container in such a manner as to define when so connected afluidly continuous channel from the container to the delivery outlet ofthe delivery conduit.
 8. A delivery device according to claim 1, whereinthe attachment part comprises an insert formation enabled to be insertedwithin the container through an aperture therein in use.
 9. A deliverydevice according to claim 8, wherein the insert formation defines anattachment conduit comprising an attachment inlet and attachment outlet.10. A delivery device according to claim 9, wherein the attachmentoutlet of the insert formation connects with the delivery inlet todefine a fluidly continuous channel through the device from theattachment inlet to the delivery outlet.
 11. A delivery device accordingto claim 9, wherein the insert formation has a wide end comprising theattachment outlet and a narrow end comprising the attachment inlet. 12.A delivery device according to claim 11, wherein the insert formationcomprises a penetrating part adapted to compromise the integrity of acontainer wall, or a frangible portion of a container, to provide theoutlet aperture in the container.
 13. A delivery device according toclaim 12, wherein the insert formation comprises suitable sealing meansto provide an effective seal between the penetrating part and the outletaperture in the container.
 14. A delivery device according to claim 13,wherein the penetrating part comprises securing means to ensure thepenetrating part is securely attached within the container.
 15. Adelivery device according to claim 1, wherein the delivery part has acylindrical body portion comprising a delivery shoulder, having a firstface and second face, which annularly extends from the body proximal tothe delivery inlet.
 16. A delivery device according to claim 15, whereinthe attachment part selectively engages with and attaches the deliverypart to the outlet aperture of the container by engaging with theshoulder to retain the delivery part thereon.
 17. A delivery deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein a screw threaded attachment part isprovided together with an insertable delivery part, an insert formationor penetrating part of which comprises a screw thread proximal to a wideend which corresponds to the screw thread in the attachment part.
 18. Adelivery device according to claim 17, wherein the attachment partcomprises a through conduit having an internal thread corresponding tothe screw thread of the penetrating part or insert formation.
 19. Adelivery device according to claim 18, wherein the attachment part isslideably mounted to a sealing plate.
 20. A delivery device according toclaim 19, wherein the sealing plate comprises an aperture to allow thepenetrating part or insert formation to extend through the sealing plateto attach to the attachment part.
 21. A delivery device according toclaim 20, wherein the sealing plate comprises one or more upwardlyextending projections complementarily shaped with one or more recessesin the attachment part.
 22. A delivery device according to claim 20,comprising one or more levers adapted to engage with the sealing plateand move the sealing plate away from the attachment part and relative tothe penetrating part or insert formation.
 23. A delivery deviceaccording to claim 22, wherein the one or more levers are hingedlymounted to the attachment part.
 24. A delivery device according to claim22, wherein a locking member is provided to lock the one or more leversin a sealed position.
 25. A delivery device according to claim 1comprising a handle.
 26. A delivery device according to claim 1, whereinthe delivery device is pre-sterilised.
 27. A kit of parts comprising adelivery device according to claim 1 and suitable packaging for thedevice to be contained or stored in when not in use.